Mental health is a very important part of our overall health and can affect us every day. During pregnancy and after the delivery of a baby, it is normal to experience changes in how you are feeling. It can be a very stressful time. There is no shame in asking for help.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988 (988va.org). 988 is a three-digit calling code for mental health crisis in Virginia. By calling 988, you can get free immediate help from a trained crisis worker at all hours, every day of the week. If you’re thinking about suicide, worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, call 988.
Please explore the information below to find more helpful resources.
I am struggling with feelings of sadness and anxiety during and/or after pregnancy. What do I do?
Talk to your provider about available mental health support. Make sure you have scheduled postpartum visits. Postpartum visits can be helpful for discussing mental health concerns. Learn more about postpartum care.
Postpartum Support Virginia (PSVA) offers a variety of services to support mental health during pregnancy and after. They also maintain a list of healthcare providers that work with pregnant and postpartum families. They can help you find a provider or connect you to support from a peer, which is someone that has had similar experiences. Visit the Postpartum Support Virginia website to learn more.
Ways to speak to someone at PSVA:
- Warmline anyone can call: 703-829-7152
- Text in English: 540-698-1277
- Texto en Espanol: 757-550-4234
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA is free, confidential, and available 24/7. Services are available in English and Spanish. Someone will listen to you, offer support, and connect you to other resources if you need them.
The Virginia Health Care Foundation offers counseling appointments for pregnant and postpartum individuals through the It Takes A Village program. No referral is needed. Appointments are offered on a sliding fee scale. Visit the ITAV website for information on participating counseling organizations and how to make an appointment.
I’ve heard the term “baby blues” and “postpartum depression.” What are those and how do I know if I need to talk to my healthcare provider about them?
Many new parents may experience what are called “baby blues,” negative feelings such as sadness or anxiety and mood swings after birth. In fact, approximately 70-80% of all new mothers experience some negative feelings or mood swings after child birth. “Baby blues” symptoms are similar to postpartum depression, but the blues usually go away after about two weeks following delivery. March of Dimes has a webpage where you can learn more about the baby blues and how to care for yourself if you have them.
If you are still not feeling like yourself after a couple of weeks, reach out to your healthcare provider to talk about ways you can get some support. You may be experiencing postpartum depression, but it is important to confirm this with a healthcare provider. The main difference between having a case of the baby blues and having other postpartum mental health needs is how long you have symptoms and how serious the symptoms are. Life changes a lot after having children. If you need support, do not wait to ask for it. You are not alone, and you can feel well again.
Postpartum Support Virginia has fact sheets on their website that explain possible symptoms of postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety. Learn more about symptoms specific to each.
You can also learn more from the Mayo Clinic and the federal Office on Women’s Health.
What are the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for Postpartum Depression and other mental health conditions during pregnancy and the postpartum period?
Postpartum Support International offers a helpful list of perinatal mental health conditions (perinatal means before or after birth) on their website. For each condition, like perinatal and postpartum depression or anxiety, you can learn more about symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options.
The Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance has a useful Maternal Mental Health Overview fact sheet which includes a summary of the factors that can cause maternal mental health conditions.
Are you a provider looking for more information on screening and diagnosing maternal mental health conditions?
Please see the section of this website for providers.
You can also visit this section of our online resource hub for mental health during pregnancy and the postpartum period site for additional provider resources.
Where can I find more information on Postpartum Depression and other mental health issues during pregnancy and after delivering a baby?
Visit our online resource hub for mental health during pregnancy and the postpartum period. This page will include:
- Information on depression during pregnancy and the postpartum period, as well as other mental health conditions
- Information on how to get connected to support. Postpartum Support Virginia is one option and they offer support groups, connection to peer support, and maintain a directory of providers that specialize in working with people with mental health needs during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Staff can help you find the type of support you would like. The website also lists other state and national organizations focused on mental health during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
- A Beyond the Blues campaign toolkit that includes:
- Ready-to-use files including images and social media post templates about Postpartum Depression and mental health during pregnancy/postpartum
- A how-to for hosting events in your community around Postpartum Depression and maternal mental health
- Suggestions for how to engage with partners
- An opportunity to share your experience with mental health